Shaun the Sheep helps to raise more than £300,000 for a North East hospice

St Oswald's Hospice has revealed the total raised by this summer's Shaun the Sheep art trail is £310,000.

For a ten-week period over the summer, 115 sculptures of Shaun the Sheep were put on display to form a free, public, art trail throughout Newcastle.

At the end of the event, an auction was held in which 40 of the sheep were sold to the highest bidders - raising £195,000 in the process.

This, combined with money raised through sponsorship, merchandise and app sales, ticketed events, raffles and community and schools fundraising helped the hospice raise £310,000.

The funds will now go towards the hospice's running costs and allow its team to support children, adults and their families to who their services.

Jane Hogan, head of fundraising at St Oswald’s Hospice, has thanked everyone who played a role in making the trail a reality, as well as everyone who donated money.

She said: “The reaction to the sculptures, from all who have seen them, has been wonderful and they really caught the imagination of our community.

“This trail was truly a team effort, with businesses, schools, artist, and people from across the region and beyond, coming together to make it such a resounding success.

“We’ve been humbled by the support we have received.

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“We’re only a small team and we simply couldn’t have brought the flock to Newcastle without the help of all those who played a part.

“Our thanks go out to our trail headline partner; Newcastle Council, all our sponsors and partners, creative producers Wild in Art and of course, Aardman for trusting us with their fantastic character, Shaun the Sheep.” 

Some of the sheep remain on display to the public after being purchased by local businesses during the auction.

One is on display at Deal Direct Blinds’ Gateshead showroom, with another available to view at Ouseburn Farm's cafe in Byker.

The Shaun of the Tyne event followed two previous art trails organised by the hospice, which included Great North Snowdogs and Elmer's Great North Parade.